#38 – RHP Rafael Montero

Why Ranked Here: He had a great 2011, but more importantly, has one of the most explosive arms in the lower levels of the system regularly working in the low-90s, with the ability to throw mid-90s when he airs it out. He has the beginnings of a breaking ball and throws strikes, lots and lots of strikes. On talent and arm strength alone, I think Montero should be much higher. However, I’m scared a little of short-season pitchers with very little track record so far from the big leagues.

2011: The Dominican Summer League was not a challenge. Really, the GCL wasn’t either. Four starts in the Appalachian league were less dominant, but he showed off with five good innings in the New York Penn League in Brooklyn. Seriously, for the year, he struck out 23% of the batters he faced, and walked under 5% for a K/BB of 5.1.